Certain coloring agents, approved by the U-S Food and Drug Administration, can legally be added to food,
drugs, and cosmetics. Coloring is added by manufacturers strictly to make the food, drug, or
cosmetic look more appealing. Some people
are allergic to these colorings, and some doctors and nutritions believe they may have other harmful effects. One food coloring, Yellow Number Five, is the
synthetic dye 'tartrazine' (TAR-truh-zeen). The F-D-A estimates that fewer than one in 10,000 people are sensitive to tartrazine and suffer
allergic reactions from it.
If you want to avoid artificial colors, check the list of ingredients or label for such terms as 'artificial color,'
'certified color,' or a specific name, such as 'Yellow Number Five.' For more
information, contact a dietician or healthcare professional.
